Published: June 18, 2026 · 12:20 AM EDT
The Helloween and Gamma Ray guitarist and vocalist will release his new solo album on September 18 through earMUSIC
KAI HANSEN has announced the release of his new solo album, "Born With A Hammer", scheduled for September 18 via earMUSIC.
The announcement arrives alongside the release of the album's opening track, "Feeding The Beast", which is now available together with an official music video.
The new release marks Hansen's first solo album since "XXX – Three Decades In Metal", issued under the Kai Hansen & Friends banner.
Known for his work as co-founder of Helloween and founder of Gamma Ray, Hansen has remained active through recording projects, live performances, and recent Helloween reunion activities.
Released as the first preview of the album, "Feeding The Beast" opens the record and serves as its lead single.
The song introduces the musical direction of "Born With A Hammer" and marks the first new material unveiled from the upcoming release.
The track is accompanied by an official music video released simultaneously with the album announcement.
According to information released with the announcement, "Born With A Hammer" contains ten songs and was produced by Eike Freese.
The album was recorded with a lineup that includes:
Kai Hansen — vocals, guitar
Eike Freese — guitar
Alexander Dietz — guitar
Dan Wilding — drums
Tim Hansen — guitar
Dietz is known for his work with Heaven Shall Burn, while Wilding is recognized for his role in Carcass. Tim Hansen is a member of Induction.
BORN WITH A HAMMER TRACKLIST
01. Feeding The Beast
02. Welcome To Life
03. Don't Care
04. Wait And See
05. Born With A Hammer
06. I.D.G.A.F.
07. End Of The Road
08. Triple Trouble
09. Invaders
10. Wonderland
FORMATS
CD Digipak
Black Vinyl LP Gatefold (180g)
Limited Picture Disc LP (180g)
Kai Hansen first gained international recognition through his work with Helloween during the formative years of European power metal. Following his departure from the band, he founded Gamma Ray, recording and touring extensively over the following decades.
More recently, Hansen has participated in Helloween's reunion era, which brought together members from different periods of the band's history for studio recordings and international tours.
"Born With A Hammer" represents a separate project under Hansen's own name while continuing his activity as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist.
With the release of "Feeding The Beast", Kai Hansen offers the first look at "Born With A Hammer", a new solo album scheduled for September 18 through earMUSIC. The record brings together musicians from several generations of heavy metal and adds a new chapter to Hansen's long recording career.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Watch the official music video for "Feeding The Beast" below.
